PAUL CARROLL FROM STANLEY DROWNED HIS DOG AND DISMEMBERED HER BODY NEAR CONSETT

In a disturbing case that shocked the community of Stanley and the surrounding areas, Paul Carroll, a resident of Mitchell Street, South Moor, Stanley, County Durham, was found guilty of heinous animal cruelty involving his pet dog. Born on July 24, 1963, Carroll's actions came to light after a series of investigations that revealed a gruesome sequence of events leading to the death of his dog, Molly.

According to reports, Carroll held the Bedlington terrier, Molly, underwater in a bath, effectively drowning her. The incident was reportedly followed by an attempt to conceal the crime. Carroll attempted to bury Molly’s body at the Hat and Feather Inn pub near Consett, a well-known local establishment. Fearing that the remains might be discovered, Carroll took further measures to hide the evidence. He dismembered Molly’s body into several pieces and disposed of them down the drain at the back of his property.

His efforts to conceal the crime were unsuccessful, as drainage workers called to unblock the pipes eventually discovered Molly’s dismembered remains. The investigation, launched in January 2015, uncovered more disturbing details. RSPCA inspectors and police officers raided Carroll’s residence, which was found to be in a deplorable state, littered with animal excrement and neglect. During the search, authorities removed three other dogs and a snake from the property, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal welfare at the location.

In addition to Carroll’s conviction, the case also involved Margaret Carroll, also known as Margaret Taylor, and her daughter Katrina Livingstone. Margaret Carroll, born on July 4, 1954, of First Street, Watling Street Bungalows, Consett, was initially charged with assisting her husband in drowning Molly. However, she was later cleared of animal cruelty charges. Instead, Margaret was sentenced to four years in prison for arson, a separate but equally serious offense. Her daughter, Katrina Livingstone, born on August 26, 1977, of the same address, was also convicted and sentenced to four years for her role in starting a fire at the family home, which was an apparent attempt at suicide.

As part of the sentencing, Paul Carroll received an 18-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, along with a supervision order. Additionally, he was banned from keeping any animals for ten years, a ban that will expire in February 2025. The case has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the severity of animal cruelty and the importance of animal welfare laws in the UK.